Consul General of Israel in New York, Asaf Zamir and Nir Barkat, member of Knesset and former Mayor of Jerusalem celebrated “Full Lights of Chanukah” at the World’s Largest Chanukah Menorah in NYC at 5th Ave and 59th Street, during the lighting of the “full Menorah” with a crowd of thousands of onlookers.
The celebration on the last night of Chanukah, is considered an extra special day, known as “Zos Chanukah.”
Rabbi Shmuel M. Butman, director of Lubavitch Youth Organization, who organizes the menorah since it’s construction, remarked about Mr. Barkat’s familial connection to Chabad and his father’s name of Zalman, named for Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of the Chabad movement. Mr Barkat picked up the theme that Rabbi Butman touched on highlighting his family’s connection to Chabad.
Throughout the eight-day holiday, which begins this year on the evening of Sunday, Nov. 28, many New Yorkers and visitors to the city will join the nightly lightings of the towering 36-foot menorah—certified by the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest—on Fifth Avenue and 59th Street at Grand Army Plaza near Central Park, right outside of the Plaza Hotel.
The event featured the public menorah-lighting ceremony and lively music with spirited Chassidic dancing.
In addition to the guests on the final night, Consul General of Israel in New York, Asaf Zamir and Nir Barkat, former Mayor of Jerusalem will be honored with lighting the menorah, many other dignitaries and public officials joined the nightly lightings over the course of the holiday as in years past, with Mayor-Elect Eric Adams and many dignitaries.
Mayor-Elect Eric Adams remarked on the first night, “we know what the Rebbe did for all of us. We need each other, no matter how challenging it is, we know New Yorkers are resilient, strong and we’re people of faith, And I say to all of you and your families: Have a happy and safe Chanukah!”
“After the year and a half we’ve all experienced, we are excited to share the joy of Chanukah with the people of New York once again, ” said Rabbi Shmuel M. Butman, director of Lubavitch Youth Organization. “When faced with darkness, the menorah serves as a symbol of New York City’s dedication to persevering and pushing through. And this year, we’re shining that great symbol ever so bright after a challenging time for all of us.”
The national and International media reported about the World’s Largest Menorah this year in an unprecedent large way” said Rabbi Motti Seligson of Chabad.org “they brought the spirit of Chanukah to hundreds of millions of homes all over.”
